TOPIC: No other religion provides such detailed promises-and warnings-about America’s future as the Bahá'í Faith. Bahá'u'lláh commanded the rulers of America to “bind ye the broken with the hands of justice.” As early as the arrival of the first pilgrims, `Abdu'l-Bahá spoke about the greatness of America. Shoghi Effendi made its destiny a central theme of several of his epistles. Detailed study of the Bahá'í writings about America is an important task for any Bahá'í interested in understanding what the American Bahá'í community can accomplish, and how it can achieve its goals.
DATES: Oct. 1, 2002 to Dec. 31, 2002
TEXTS: A collection of texts put together by the Wilmette Institute.
FACULTY:
| Dr. Kurt Hein | Mr.
Zaid Lundberg |
| Dr. Farhad Rassekh | Dr. Robert Stockman |
COST: $150
A twenty percent discount is available when registering as part of a
local group of three or more (who pledge to meet together semimonthly to study),
or to senior citizens (65 and older), or to those whose service to the Faith
engenders financial hardship. Larger discounts are available for even larger
groups. Financial aid is available. There are no residential requirements,
for the course is conducted by correspondence and over the internet. The Institute
may be able to assist students to obtain college credit. The course may be taken
at the introductory level (a basic course that will help students teach the
Faith more effectively), the intermediate level (for more in-depth study) or
the advanced level (equivalent to graduate-level study).
WORK EXPECTATIONS: The course will take five to ten hours of work each week and will involve:
A. Reading and using the knowledge acquired. The course has five units. All students must complete one posting per unit. At the end of the course, each student completes two learning projects, one involving a presentation (fireside, deepening, children’s or youth class, artistic presentation) and the other a writing project (essay, religion study outline, local course curriculum; length depends on the learning level you choose).
B. Assistance by a mentor who reviews and comments on all homework and answers questions.
C. For those who are part of local study groups, discussion assignments are provided.
D. Participation in “AMERICA,” the course's e-mail discussion group. Because of the speed and efficiency e-mail provides, all students are urged to acquire e-mail for the course.
E. Access to the course's password-protected web site, which includes additional study material and completed sample homework assignments.
F. Voluntary participation in conference calls with other students and a faculty member.
GRADING OPTIONS: The course is usually taken pass/fail, but may be taken for a grade.
Wilmette Institute, 536 Sheridan
Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091-2849
877-WILMETTE (toll-free voice and fax)
(877-945-6377)
Email- info@wilmetteinstitute.org
website http://www.wilmetteinstitute.org